5.56/.223 AK's

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nero45acp

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Has anyone on THR shot/owned a AK chambered for 5.56/.223? If you have, what is your opinion of 5.56mm AK's. I understand that they use modified 5.45x39mm magazines, any problems using these modified magazines? How does the recoil of a 5.56mm AK compare with the AK-74 (5.45x39mm)? Finally, where is a good source for quality/affordable 5.45x39mm ammo and magazines. Thanks



nero
 
There are dedicated 5.56/.223 30 round AK mags that are not converted 5.45 mags. The Chinese and Yugo steel mags are the best from what I've heard. They are a bit harder to find these days and priced accordingly.
 
Two places for ammo:

www.outdoormarksman.com located in OR

www.midwayusa.com I think they're in TN.

Closer they are to you; less shipping you'll pay.
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I just ordered 1,000 rounds of 5.45x39 from Midway and it was $123 shipped. It would of been $122 and some change, but they got me with that NRA Round Up! :) I liked that. Nice way to even out the numbers for when I record it and support our cause at the same time.
 
I own a SAR-3, a Romanian AK variant in .223.

I have both converted 5.45X39 mags and steel "Weigar" mags which were built specifically for the SAR-3.

I have not had any trouble with either kind of mags. The 5.45 require 2 "fixes" to make them work for .223:

1. You have to widen the feed lips to accomodate the different shoulder of the .223 round. Most of the converted 5.45 mags have this done already.

2. You have to replace the 5.45 follower with a Robinson Arms follower, to accommodate the different taper of the .223 cartridge. Most of the converted 5.45 mags do NOT have this done. Those mags won't feed reliably with more than 20 or so rounds in the mag.

My opinion of .223 AK's? Great. Kinda the "best of both worlds". AK reliability and maintenance, and AR ammo. .223 AK's have a reputation for being more accurate than 7.62 AK's, but so do 5.45 AK's. Don't have one of those, so I can't compare.

Good source for AK mags for either .223 or 5.45 is www.cdnninvestments.com
 
I have a Saiga in .223 - no high-cap mags yet, but it shoots very accurately. I am expecting high-cap mags will be available in September.
 
I have converted saiga I use converted ak74 magazines with robarm follower.

they do make 223 ak magazines. though hard to find. usually costly. best price I have seen is $25-$30 per magazine. I can buy ak74 modded magazines for $4.25 + I bought 20 robarm followers at $4.99 each normally $5.99 each bulk buy. total bout $10 per mag. working pretty good.

wieger magazines harder to find but availible though not so greatly reputable companies.

dont expect to see russian hicaps after the ban. believe is a import ban or agreement with russia on magazines and military style rifles.

hopefully more ak74/bulgarian 223 magazines will become availible after ban. alot of people have bought up the 223 magazines heavily. norinco,bulgarian etc. it all rides on congress then bubba. be sure to write bubba and tell him you will vote against him if he signs the AWB renewal.
 
dont expect to see russian hicaps after the ban
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After the ban expires, I hope someone domestically manufactures Saiga .223 20-round magazines.
 
I have had quite a few .223 AKs. I like that round in that platform a lot, as you get 100% reliability and much improved accuracy over the 7.62x39. My preference is as follows:

Vepr: really robust, reliable, and quite accurate. The mass makes it a real pleasure to shoot. Robinson mags work fine and as noted above it is easy to convert your own. Mine have also run fine with Bulgie mags.

Saiga: converted to pistol grip of course. These can be made to run a variety of mags depending on how you convert the gun. The Robinson converted bakelites work fine. Saigas are pretty accurate, and incorporate recent changes to the AK in the 74 and 100 series.

SAR-3: early ones were rough, but they got better. Run fine with the weiger steel mags although those seat a bit oddly. One gets used to locking them in. SAR-3s are pretty accurate--perhaps not as much as the above Russian guns but more so than a 7.62.

Bulgarian: have not had one, but hear some only use the Bulgie waffles. Ouch. Those can be pricey.

Note that my experience suggests that the converted bakelites (ala Robinson) work in just about any .223 AK. Clearly that is the simplest route mag-wise. I have a total of four different kinds of mags I use in various .223 AKs. Some work in multiple guns, others only in one. Oh well, variety makes things interesting!

GR
 
probably better off getting a www.ak-103.com save money and get nice work. have yet to hear complaint on Chris work

check the gallery section. some vids of nfa weapons and work.

only if this stinkin state I am in allowed class3 firearms.
 
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